Westminster College Symphony Orchestra to Present Fall Concert Oct. 19

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - The Westminster College Symphony Orchestra will present its fall concert Friday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Orr Auditorium.  The concert is free to the public.

The program will include: "Serenade for Strings" by Vasily Kalinnikov; "Pavane (pour une infant défunte)" by Maurice Ravel; "Prague Waltzes" by Antonin Dvorak; and "Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25" by Felix Mendelssohn, which features Dr. Nancy DeSalvo, associate professor of music, as piano soloist.

Thirty-eight Westminster students will be performing, as well as two faculty members: Dr. Daniel Perttu, assistant professor of music theory and composition, will play the bassoon, and DeSalvo. Ten regional high school and community guests will also perform.

The orchestra is under the direction of Dr. Melinda Crawford Perttu, assistant professor of music. She directs the symphony orchestra, teaches the string pedagogy sequence as well as private violin and viola lessons, and supervises the weekly string master class. She joined the Westminster faculty in 2009.  Perttu earned an undergraduate degree from Duquesne University and a master's and doctorate from Ohio State University.

Westminster College offers a broad program in music, open to majors and non-majors alike. The Choral and Instrumental Programs at Westminster College include 350-400 students from all areas of the campus. Students may choose from five large instrumental performing groups on campus.

Contact Dr. Melinda Perttu at (724) 946-7271 or email for additional information.